The project objective is to increase the output of high and very high added products. This state-of-the-art electric furnace will replace three furnaces powered by natural gas with the aim of streamlining the heat treatment operations within the ALRO Processed Aluminium Division and represents an important step towards achieving ALRO's goal of becoming a greener producer.
“While we are still making significant efforts to overcome the challenges of the international economic environment, we remain focused on our long-term goals and continue to invest in state-of-the-art technology”, said Gheorghe Dobra, ALRO CEO. “The new equipment, provided by SECO/WARWICK, will support our programme to maximise the value of the products we are manufacturing and will allow us to serve even better our customer requirements. At the same time, the new technology will support our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint”, added Gheorghe Dobra.
The installation of the aging furnace for the specific heat treatments of aluminium products, powered by electricity without CO2 emissions, and the decommissioning of three gas-fired furnaces is a significant step in increasing the energy efficiency of the technological processes and strengthening the company's efforts to produce low carbon aluminium, suitable for future market requirements.
“The challenge of reducing emissions is becoming an increasingly important purchasing impulse for customers. This applies in particular to European producers, because in this region of the world environment protection regulations are currently the most restrictive. The aluminium aging furnace, powered by electric heaters, eliminates the emissions problem, hence the growing interest of aluminium producers in such solutions”, explains Piotr Skarbiński, Vice President, Aluminium Process and CAB Business Segment at SECO/WARWICK.
